Review to come in Scream Horror Mag


One of Hendrix's finest novels to date, blew me away, can't wait for everyone to read this!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix is yet another in the list of titles by the author that blend horror, wit, and deeply detailed settings. Set in a home for unwed pregnant teenagers in 1970s Florida, the girls have to content with the powerlessness of their situation until a mysterious book presents them with a solution to all of their problems; witchcraft.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: pregnancy complications, birth trauma, adoption trauma, mentions of child sexual abuse, mentions of racism, gore.

As always, Grady Hendrix writes immensely readable works. The details are vivid and the descriptions of characters and the frequent moments of gore are intense. The book’s moments are so cinematic and reading these books you really feel like they’d adapt so easily to the screen. I think, especially in this case, they read a lot like American Horror Story seasons.

The issue that plagues Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is that it has all the subtly of a sledgehammer. All of the “adults” are mustache-twirling levels of evil. The other girls than the main ones are vapid. The motivations are deeply one-note and the themes are repeated without a shred of nuance. It’s not that Hendrix isn’t making some good points about agency, especially in groups of young women treated with disdain. It’s that there is nothing unexpected, nothing thematically interesting. I think that in all honesty, a few more scenes that moved the plot along and a little less time spent making points about motherhood would have done well to strengthen the narrative.

As beautiful as Hendrix’s descriptions can be, they can drag. This is especially evident in the descriptions of labor and the pregnant bodies of the girls. Sure, it underlines the body horror of giving birth. But at a certain point it just goes beyond
deeply evocative imagery and enters into somewhat indulgent editing.

The bottom line is that for fans of Grady Hendrix, this will be no disappointment. It’s funny, gross, and rich in imagery. It reads like a movie. But it does suffer from bloated descriptions and heavy-handed messaging. 3/5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of this book. I've heard so much about Grady Hendrix's novels but never read one before. So I was really excited, and a little nervous, to read Witchcraft for Wayward Girls. I'm not a huge horror reader, but I do enjoy some creepy stuff. I'd heard Hendrix's style was humorous horror so I'm not sure if this book is similar to the others or not. There was definitely humor, but also darkness.

A young woman is taken to a home for pregnant teens in Florida where her name is changed and her rights are trampled on in the name of 'doing what's right' for the young woman and her soon-to-be-born child. The idea that any young woman who has found herself pregnant is clearly "wayward" and shameful is one that I personally grew up with, having grown up in the 1970's in a Christian family. Of course now, I realize how repugnant it is to assume there is something wrong with the girl as well as impose the idea that the child is better off being sent away and never discussed again.

In fact, I think the part of this book that struck me as the most horrifying was the pre-Roe America it depicts. A timely conversation, certainly, but also an awareness of what many women have and are still dealing with in their lives. I enjoyed the witchy parts as well. They have a wonderful creepiness, and give the girls some hope of regaining their power, even if it isn't necessarily a good choice.

Thoughtful, creepy, funny, well written, enlightening, and dark, this is a fantastic read for the dark months of the tumultuous time we are in.

2.5 rounded up. I adore Grady Hendrix and I was pumped for his latest book, so I'm bummed to say this was mostly a miss for me. The pacing is painfully slow and meandering, and there are SO many characters introduced that genuinely don't up mattering. Apart from a few really knockout scenes, basically nothing happens, and the stakes were never high enough between the big moments to keep my attention. Grady still writes horror and chaos masterfully, so there is certain imagery that will stick with me, but there was such a lack of tension in between that it really took the wind out of the sails of the narrative. Fern/Neva is unfortunately kind of a nothing protagonist and I struggled to really empathize with her until the ending and subsequent epilogue.

The story takes place in the 70s at a home for wayward girls, where unwed mothers are sent to give birth in secret. The girls spend their time in a very controlled environment completing chores, watching tv, and smoking cigarettes. They're expected to toe the line, give up their babies, and go back home to forget any of this ever happened. Things start to shake up when a bookmobile rolls up to the home and a "librarian" gives Fern a book on witchcraft. The book provides the girls with the opportunity to have some semblance of power in a place where everyone is always telling them what's best for them. But is the librarian promising the girls freedom or is she another adult trying to use the situation for her own advantage?

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls was a descriptive slow burn that explores the themes of friendship, female autonomy, control, and surrender. It took some time to get to the magic, but the scenes imbued with it are a whole lot of fun. Also, a librarian as the keeper of knowledge and books being literally magic. Very cool.

When the librarian showed up, I thought maybe we'd escaped the magical negro trope, but it still managed to creep in there.

Perfect for fans of: Other Grady Hendrix books, 1970s vibes, historical fiction tinged with magic

Thank you to Grady Hendrix, Penguin Random House LLC, and Netgalley for my eARC.

This was my first Grady Hendrix and I'm still. on the fence on how I felt about it? I thought the premise was interesting and was the perfect read for spooky season, however, I wasn't as enthralled as I wish I had been. I also think I was expecting something a bit scarier honestly. The book is categorized as a horror but I would call it a thriller at best. Overall, it wasn't bad, just not what I had been hoping for and I was a bit disappointed.

Overall, I really enjoyed the vibe. This felt like a return back to Southern Book Club/My Best Friend's Exorcism Hendrix. I do feel that the pacing was off and at times the use of witchcraft seemed like an afterthought. The perspective shifting to a supporting character is jarring when done despite it being necessary to give all details.

I love that witches are getting their day in books lately and this one was one that if I had when I was younger I would have died highlighting every passage.

Grady Hendrix can do vampires aka The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires and now the witches!

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

I loved this one, I still think about the plot and characters weeks after I finished the book. I really liked that the book went into the future at the end so you could see where the girls ended up and how they reconnected with the children they were forced to give up; I really felt for the protagonist and her "charlie brown" baby - but I am so glad there was some form of reunion, it was painful reading being a mother myself, I can't imagine, truly awful that similar circumstances (minus the witchcraft) really have happened. I would have loved to see how the one character turned out who basically took over the "coven" and kept her baby but that would have been my only wish, loved the rest of the story and the characters!!

I’m still deciding how I feel about this one. In some ways I loved how homes for teenage girls and lack of body autonomy and trauma was explored here. On another hand I thought there would be more witchcraft and less naked band of women in the woods. I think this book was good but overall just not quite what I expected.

Exploring the Depths of Teenage Struggles in Grady Hendrix's "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls"** Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" by Grady Hendrix is a captivating tale that unfolds in a home for unwed mothers in Florida. This setting not only establishes a unique historical context but also serves as a powerful metaphor for the societal constraints placed on young women during that era. The novel intricately weaves together themes of friendship, identity, and the search for autonomy, making it a poignant read for anyone who has ever felt ignored or unheard. One of the most striking aspects of Hendrix's writing is his ability to authentically capture the inner workings of teenage girls. Through rich characterization and thoughtful dialogue, he reveals the complexities of their lives—their hopes, fears, and desires. The protagonist, alongside her fellow residents, confronts the challenges of being marginalized by society and grapples with feelings of shame and isolation. Hendrix masterfully portrays the emotional landscape of adolescence, illustrating how these young women navigate their relationships with each other and with the world around them. The home for unwed mothers serves as both a refuge and a prison for the characters. It is a place where they find solace in their shared experiences, yet it is also a reminder of the societal judgment they face. As they explore their identities and forge bonds with one another, the girls engage in imaginative acts of rebellion, utilizing the power of witchcraft as a means of claiming their agency. This element of the story is not just a fantastical escape; it symbolizes their desire to take control of their lives in a world that often seeks to define them. Hendrix's ability to evoke empathy in his readers is another reason why "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" resonates deeply. Anyone who has felt dismissed or overlooked will find solace in the characters' struggles. The book transcends its historical setting, speaking to the universal themes of seeking validation and the need for connection. In a world that frequently marginalizes young women, Hendrix's portrayal of their resilience and strength is both uplifting and empowering. In conclusion, "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" is an exceptional exploration of the trials faced by teenage girls in the 1960s, brought to life through Grady Hendrix's insightful and evocative writing. His ability to articulate the complexities of adolescence, coupled with the historical context of the narrative, creates a rich tapestry that reflects the ongoing challenges of young women today. This book is not merely a story of witchcraft and rebellion; it is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of being heard and understood. For anyone who has ever felt like their voice was lost in the noise, this novel is a powerful testament to the strength of sisterhood and the courage to stand up against societal norms. I highly recommend it to those seeking both entertainment and a deeper understanding of the teenage experience.

I usually LOVE Grady Hendrix but I could not get into this book and wasn’t looking forward to picking it up. It got about 20% of the way through before I decided not to finish it. It had a very slow start and I was just not connecting to the characters. I will continue to look out for more Grady Hendrix books in the future though.

3.5⭐️ this was a fun read, not my favorite Grady Hendrix book.

This was the perfect read for spooky season, the mix between spooky and gruesome. I was however not expecting the detailed birth scenes.

Miss Wellwood, the creepy doctor and the social worker were all questionable characters to say the least. This book captures the 1970 aesthetic perfectly. The magic and the secrets of Wellwood House’s dark history were captivating. I loved the found family aspect, I honestly preferred Rose over our main character Fern.

My heart truly broke for this characters, and while I think this book will be well loved it was not for me. I had to keep reminding myself that this was fiction, because some of the scenes were graphic and told in great detail. Grady definitely did well with making you feel for all these girls, and the horrible situation these girls were placed in.

Thank you so much to Berkley publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.

*Witchcraft for Wayward Girls* is an emotional, slow-burn journey that intertwines young adult fiction with horror and supernatural elements, though it takes a more serious and hauntingly realistic approach than Grady Hendrix’s previous works. Set in 1970s America amid the tense political atmosphere of the Vietnam War and social upheaval, the story follows four young mothers—Fern, Holly, Rose, and Zinnia—each abandoned by their families and society. Through vivid, empathetic storytelling, Hendrix explores their struggles with motherhood, societal expectations, and personal identity.

What truly stands out in this novel is the portrayal of the girls’ experiences with birth and the trauma of forced separation. The realistic and raw depictions of childbirth create some of the most intense and haunting moments in the story, tapping into primal fears and shared experiences. Hendrix’s ability to make readers feel the girls’ isolation, pain, and bravery is remarkable, giving voice to those who were historically silenced. The witchcraft element adds a layer of suspense and eerie charm, though it’s less central than one might expect from a horror novel, focusing more on the psychological horror of these girls’ realities.

Though the pacing may feel slow at first, especially with a gradual build-up into the plot, this slowness allows readers to connect deeply with the characters. By the time the story reaches its conclusion, it feels almost bittersweet to part from them. There’s a coziness amidst the horror—Hendrix invites us into the world of these resilient girls, making it hard to let go.

The book’s final impact is profound, making readers appreciate the freedom and autonomy that so many fought for. *Witchcraft for Wayward Girls* is a stirring, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the last page, blending historical resonance with a compassionate, chilling tale of young women overcoming their darkest fears. Perfect for fans of Hendrix’s writing who appreciate stories that go beyond scares to tell a powerful, enduring story.

This book is wild ride that may be triggering for some readers. It starts out rather slow and the number of characters in the beginning is almost overwhelming, but when the story takes off it is typical Hendrix, horrifying and cheeky at the same time. I definitely enjoyed this book more than How to Sell a Haunted House.

I requested an ARC without even reading the blurb because I enjoy the author’s work and for a while I thought I had maybe somehow downloaded the wrong file because you get a good way into the book before anything witchy happens. I would be really curious to know the author came to this story because it feels unexpected from a male author but I appreciate the authenticity of the friendship and love of the girls.

Grady really went for the throat with this one. I've said multiple times that every Grady Hendrix I've read has given me at least 1 moment that makes me want to crawl out of my skin...this was full of them. The setting and the emotions were really driven home. I could feel the oppressive air of a humid summer, hear the buzz of flies and cicadas, and really feel the deep loneliness the girls lived in. Of course, I also was reading through squinted eyes with a turned head as some scenes were described in typical fashion of Grady Hendrix. Great read overall, can't wait to add it to my shelf!

Thank you to Penguin, Grady Hendrix, and Netgalley for my ARC copy

Grady Hendrix truly can do no wrong but this one was - wow. I could not put it down once I started. Haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished!!!!

Grady Hendrix books are always so interesting to jump into. I never really know where they'll take me and how I'll feel in the end. While horror is not a genre I typically read in, I love Grady's writing style and loved this book so much. It was so interesting and fascinating to read. The characters were so well flushed out that I felt such a connection to them as I was reading and was really feeling for them throughout the book!

Another Grady book I will definitely be putting on my shelf!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

I really liked this book. The writing was strong and had just the right amount of detail for me. I was initially afraid of any fantasy elements, but everything was well-managed and felt real.

The story grabbed my attention, especially because the characters faced significant tragedies in their lives. I found myself wanting them to find freedom and a better future.

The descriptions were well done, and while they may not appeal to everyone, I appreciated the way they brought the story to life. This was a compelling read that kept me engaged throughout.